Let Riders Decide

July 3, 1985

GOV. BOB GRAHAM vetoed the bill giving Florida motorcyclists over 21 the right to decide on wearing helmets. He said that fatalities would be up 40 percent if the requirement for all riders was replaced.

The governor said the bill ''would up medical costs and insurance.'' I was disabled in a motorcycle accident when I was hit by a truck making an illegal turn. The cost and rise in insurance went to the person at fault.

The governor said ''the medical costs get shifted to the general population.'' Being disabled for four years, I can tell you that a motorcycle rider has fewer rights than a crook or refugee and receives nothing but red tape and the runaround from government agencies. If not for family and friends, I would not have survived.

People have the right to choose if they want to wear seat belts in cars. There are more head injuries in auto accidents. Shouldn't people in cars be made to wear helmets too? Give all citizens education, not legislation. Let those who ride decide.